I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

2 CORINTHIANS 13:2KJV
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2 Corinthians 13:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 13:2 mean?

2 Corinthians 13:2 means that Paul is warning the believers in Corinth that if he visits them again and finds people still living in sin, he will not hold back from taking strong corrective action. Paul is making it clear that this is not an empty threat—he has already warned them before, and now he is putting it in writing.

Paul is the one speaking, writing to the church in Corinth. He is addressing those who have continued in sinful behavior, as well as everyone else in the church. Paul had already visited them once and warned them in person, and now, even though he is absent, he is repeating his warning in this letter. The situation is tense because some in the church have not changed their ways, and Paul wants them to know he will deal firmly with unrepentant sin if he returns.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 13:2

  • "sinned" (ἁμαρτάνω, hamartanō): This word refers to those who have been living in ongoing sin, not just a one-time mistake. Paul is addressing people who have persisted in wrongdoing, which is why his warning is so serious.
  • "spare" (φείδομαι, pheidomai): This word means to refrain or hold back. Paul is saying he will not hold back from taking action or showing leniency if he finds the same problems when he visits again. This shows the seriousness of his intent.

Why 2 Corinthians 13:2 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul is only making empty threats; he is being direct and transparent about what will happen if the church does not change.
  • It shows Paul’s pastoral responsibility—he is not eager to punish, but he will do what is necessary to protect the church’s health.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by setting the tone for Paul’s upcoming visit and emphasizing the importance of repentance and accountability within the church.

Where else these words appear

“sinned” Greek G4258 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

“you” Greek G4302 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

“absent” Greek G548 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
  • Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

“before” Greek G4280 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
  • Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
  • Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,